Cardinal to celebrate Ukrainian parish milestone
News
Australia’s highest ranking Catholic leader and the universal Church’s youngest cardinal, Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR, will be in Adelaide for the first time since his election to the College of Cardinals to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Wayville on September 28.
As the Ukrainian community prepares for this significant occasion, Bohdan Lapka reflects on the foresight and tireless work of the migrant families and individuals who built the Church of Our Lady of Protection at Wayville.
After the Second World War, Ukrainians immigrated to Australia under the Australian Federal Immigration Scheme and from 1948 to 1950 about 3500 Ukrainians arrived in South Australia from holding camps in Bonegilla (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Northam (WA) and Woodside (SA). The early beginnings weren’t easy. Many couldn’t speak English, having to adjust to the new climate, trying to find employment, housing matters and raising families.
To cater for Ukrainian Catholics in Adelaide, Fr Dmytro Kaczmar arrived in 1949 and served the first Ukrainian liturgy on September 25 in St Patrick’s Church, Grote Street, and also later in Catholic churches at Enfield, Croydon Park, Rosewater and Royal Park.
The Archbishop of Adelaide, Matthew Beovich, was very sympathetic and understanding to the needs of Ukrainian Catholics and the need to have their own church to worship in. As a result, land was found at Woodville and building work commenced and once finished the Church of Saints Volodymyr and Olha was consecrated on October 15 1972.
Although Ukrainian Catholics still also had use of St Patrick’s Church in Grote Street, another property was found in Wayville and purchased on January 6 1961 for 13,500 pounds. After much discussion it was decided to build a second Adelaide church at Wayville. There were thoughts of converting the large villa into a presbytery with a chapel seating 200 people.
With the arrival of two Basilian priests Fr Evhen Lacyk and Fr Spyridion Myhal from Rome, who replaced Fr Kaczmar and Fr Szewciw, there was support for the second church in Adelaide. A meeting of parishioners was called and a building committee was formed and headed by Petro Dwulat. Building plans were drawn by Smith & Tracey Pty Ltd, architects of Melbourne. Due to the wishes of the parishioners, the plans were modified to include a hall beneath the church which meant the church was raised two metres above ground level. Materials from the demolished villa were utilised in the construction of the new presbytery between 1964 and 1965.
Prior to excavation, the site was blessed and the foundation stone laid by Bishop Iwan Prasko on September 18 1966. The design is not typical traditional Ukrainian style but rather a more modern in approach with elements taken from Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (now Istanbul). Curvilinear elements dominate in the design. Materials used were reinforced concrete and fair faced brick. By using steel and concrete beams to support the massive dome a spacious interior was achieved. The dome was assembled and welded on the ground. Much of the work was carried out by parishioners with other more difficult works subcontracted to other firms. In those days there were no OH&S practices with high open scaffolding, no hard hats or harnesses being used.
The dome was raised over the church and covered in stainless steel. It was even suggested that the dome be gold plated but this proved to be too costly. With major works completed it was possible to conduct services inside and there was no further need to use St Patricks Church. The community is thankful to the Archbishops and Roman Catholic Church for their support and use of their churches in Adelaide for our needs over those years. After nearly 10 years the church, with seating for 450 people, was completed and was consecrated by Bishop Prasko on October 14 1975. The final cost is estimated to be around $200,000.
The interior of the church is decorated in a mixture of Ukrainian styles with mosaics, woodwork, icons, silk screened windows, leadlight windows and embroidered banners, altar and table coverings. Thanks to the many people over the many years for their contribution and time in decorating our church which is finally completed now with the blessing of the Icon of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a result of the Basilian Nun’s Convent in Wayville closing and being sold in 2011, part proceeds from the sale were divided for the use of both Ukrainian parishes in Adelaide. In 2018 the Wayville parish embarked on upgrading facilities around the church. A new lift was installed enabling access from outside to the church and hall. A new entry foyer and toilets were added to the rear of the church and also new carpet installed inside, replacing the old one. To safeguard the church finances for the future, church land was subdivided and a new house was built in Davenport Lane. Thanks again to all involved in these extensive building projects and works.
The past 50 years at our parish have seen many visitors and changes. Our church has welcomed and been visited by Australian Governor-General Ret Gen David Hurley, dignitaries, Patriarchs, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, bishops, clergy and missionaries. We thank almighty God for the visits from our church hierarchy which helps us strengthen our faith so that we may continue on our spiritual journey.
We are grateful for the legacy left to us by our pioneer grandparents and parents and we thank them for their foresight and tireless work for building this beautiful church to worship in and hall to gather in.
We are thankful to God for providing us with the three bishops, all the parish priests, clergy and nuns that have ministered to us from the early arrival days to this present time. Our prayers and big thanks to the all the donors, benefactors, parish councils with chairpersons, building committee heads and members, volunteers and others for their contribution to this church and parish centre. Hopefully the future generations will continue to pray, worship and gather here at the Parish of Our Lady of Protection for many more years to come.
His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 10am on September 28.
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